Leading figures from the top brands in the UK home and garden industries have reacted very positively to home improvement and garden wholesaler, Decco’s first supplier conference in six years. Based around the theme of ‘Explore, Engage, Evolve’, the event was chaired by Decco’s Supplier Relations Manager, Chris Gladwin and included a keynote speech from Chief Operating Officer, Charlie Lacey, a supplier case study from Neudorff and presentations on Decco’s structure, IT investment, data sharing, marketing support and trade shows.

Charlie Lacey’s conference address highlighted the longevity of Decco’s supplier relationships – many extending over thirty years. Charlie shared details of recent supplier feedback and many of the following conference presentations outlined how Decco is addressing these.

Charlie announced much greater involvement in industry events such as Spring Fair as well as an increased programme of advertising and communications as of 2018. He also outlined considerable investment in the business in general including new people, facilities, fleet, marketing, data, and IT.

“Decco’s approach to the independent retail market is unique in that it only provides its retail customers with top name brands, offering a strategically selected range of the leading garden, home improvement and housewares names. This conference is all about how Decco is strengthening its offer across the board to deliver its uniquely branded proposition with maximised effectiveness and efficiency.”

Chris Gladwin outlined how committed suppliers could expect to see tangible results through new product investment, research and development, brands, all delivered via Decco’s unique marketing opportunities for independent retailers, while Jude Beharell, sales director of Neudorff outlined exactly how his brand had already benefitted from Decco’s support package.

Presentations on improved data sharing, Decco’s very popular trade show programme and proven marketing support including the 2018 Fair & Square programme preceded a Q&A with Nigel Palmer CEO, looking at the home and garden market in general.

Responding to the Decco Supplier Conference, suppliers such as Ronseal and Hozelock, commented, “This was a very positive occasion, outlining a host of service advances and completely new initiatives aimed at maximising the potential of the independent market.”

Decco’s Home and Garden Division has seven strategic supply locations around the country giving a total of over 350,000 square feet of warehousing space and holding over £10m worth of stock. It specialises in offering top quality service and availability to independent retailers and garden centres throughout the UK. To learn more about working with Decco, visit www.decco.co.uk.